Job concerns

[EmilyRyan]

Alrighty so I've been almost two weeks on my new job and I already have the bad feeling I'm not cut out for this one either like the last two jobs I had. I'm working mainly as a cashier at Walgreens and sadly my learning disability is biting me on the end worse on this job than the previous two combined. I'm constantly making one mistake after another, I can't multitask as expected on the job, and there are several tasks I been shown again and again several times already (such as how to do item returns and exchanges) and when it suddenly comes a time I need to do one these tasks I end up forgetting or just not knowing how to despite being shown how to multiple times. Overall I can barely do my job it seems like the only thing I guess got going is that I show up on time and can count change other than that I feel like I'm too stupid to work retail.

What can I do to help make it easier or at least workable??

And to add something trans related my managers and co-workers do accept and support me that is awesome at least   

[Sno]

Hi Emily,

Try talking to your manager how you're feeling - the first couple of weeks are always a blur of mistakes, and learning, and I suspect that you're doing ok

Rowan

[natalie.ashlyne]

Hi can you get some one to do cheat notes as a quick reference to help you on returns and such thing that you are having a hard time with? That worked for alot for people I work with

[EmilyRyan]

Hi can you get some one to do cheat notes as a quick reference to help you on returns and such thing that you are having a hard time with? That worked for alot for people I work with

I can definitely get someone to do that never would've thought about that thanks

[Sno]

Hi can you get some one to do cheat notes as a quick reference to help you on returns and such thing that you are having a hard time with? That worked for alot for people I work with

This is a great idea, and I'm sure that if you do a great job of it, others will want some too

Rowan

[natalie.ashlyne]

I can definitely get someone to do that never would've thought about that thanks

No problem part of my job where I work is to make sure everyone knows what to do and if not help them try to figure out easy was to remind them of what to do.

[VeronicaLynn]

Overall I can barely do my job it seems like the only thing I guess got going is that I show up on time and can count change other than that I feel like I'm too stupid to work retail.

What can I do to help make it easier or at least workable??

And to add something trans related my managers and co-workers do accept and support me that is awesome at least

I think you are being a bit too hard on yourself. No one is all that great at multitasking, it's something managers think people can easily do, but it's a lot easier to stand there and point out how they can be multitasking than actually do it.

Focus on your strengths, and don't let your weaknesses get you down. That you can show up on time is a big strength, a lot of people in retail have issues with that. You can presumably come back from your breaks on time also, a lot of people have issues with that also.

That you can count change correctly is a pretty big strength too. A cashier at a supermarket I shop at messed up my change bad twice, though she was nice about it both times. I have to assume she's done it to others, but she still has the job. I still try to avoid going in her line though.

You undoubtedly have other strengths as well, you may not realize them yet as you are still new to this job, but as you do, focus on them also. Be really good at the things you can do well, and people will be more likely to overlook your weaknesses.

[Gertrude]

I have to wonder if you don't understand how you learn best. People can and do have different learning styles that fall into several categories. You need to find out what works for you and use that method to learn new skills.


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[kelly_aus]

I was going to suggest Chest Sheets, but Natalie beat me to it. One of the first things I do in any new job is see if there are already cheat sheets, and if not, I'll make some.. Reinforces the knowledge for me while creating and is useful for any new hires that come along after me.. I've found even experienced staff have found them handy too.

[EmilyRyan]

I have to wonder if you don't understand how you learn best. People can and do have different learning styles that fall into several categories. You need to find out what works for you and use that method to learn new skills.

I still wonder too. These past seven years alone I've tried many different learning styles and still don't know what ones fit best

[EmilyRyan]

Just gonna ask are there any easier jobs out there??

[Gertrude]

I still wonder too. These past seven years alone I've tried many different learning styles and still don't know what ones fit best

You might figure it out by examining what you like to do. Hobbies, activities etc. that should give you some insight. How did you learn them?


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[Dena]

The only job I can think of would be security guard however the hours are normally pretty bad and mistakes aren't tolerated.

[VeronicaLynn]

I do think you should keep trying at this job, you already have it, so why not give it your best, and see what happens...

To answer your question though:

There are some light industrial jobs that may be easier mentally than retail, though most are more demanding physically, also not as many of these around as there used to be even 20 years ago.

Janitorial jobs might also be easier. Not real enjoyable work, kind of gross at times, but not really all that hard, and that is a job that can't be sent overseas or easily automated away.

If you can handle the physical demands, carpet cleaning is also pretty easy to do.

[EmilyRyan]

I am trying my hardest but it's just not going too well I think my learning disability is worse than I thought like today when I was working I had the worst trouble finding this certain brand and type of cigarettes this customer wanted and she was pointing and telling me where they were and I still couldn't find them and the customer got belligerent yeah that's what I deal with on a daily basis even when not at work. Everyday I feel I'm too stupid to work a job I just don't know what to do I wish there was a better support system for people like me

[VeronicaLynn]

Back on my first job in retail, at a grocery store, I had similar issues with tobacco customers even though I was a smoker at the time. I didn't chew tobacco, or dip, or snuff, and didn't know all their lingo.

I imagine some smokers are still insisting on calling certain brands things like Lights and Ultra Lights, even though this terminology was banned a number of years ago. Generally, "Lights" are gold logo, and "Ultra Lights" are silver or white logo, though this can vary a bit by brand.

There are even more varieties of most brands than there were 10+ years ago when I was a smoker, and before more descriptive terms were banned.

These things are hard for everyone in a job like yours, keep that in mind.

[EmilyRyan]

A better understanding of learning disabilities would also be nice

[VeronicaLynn]

I hope you don't mean from me.

I was placed in special education, though for reasons other than a learning disability. I had quite a few classmates with learning disabilities. I'm not at all saying you don't have a learning disability, I do think you are making assumptions that people without a learning disability wouldn't have some of the same issues you are having.

I also think you are doing much better at this job than you think you are. Hang in there, the longer you can stay there, the easier it will be to get the next job. Recent work history really does help a lot in that.

[EmilyRyan]

No not at all and I apologize I meant about employers in general they all need to be better understanding and being at my job for almost a month now I don't see it getting easier especially with the issues I deal with daily

p.s. yeah I guess I do assume about people that don't have learning disabilities it's because how often I get treated by those who don't that aren't my friends 

[Sno]

Hi Emily,

Yay, you've been there a month!

Rowan